PITTSFIELD, Mass. - The grandstand at Pittsfield’s Wahconah Park will be closed to fans this baseball season.
An annual inspection found significant wear on its structural supports and the city decided to close the seating area while they made repairs.
The Pittsfield Suns, who play in the Futures League, will still play at Wahconah Park this summer.
The city will install temporary bleachers and the concession stands, restrooms, and locker rooms will remain open.
The grandstand was built in 1950 and is one of the oldest wooden grandstands in the country.
The city’s park and open space program manager, Jim McGrath, said this is an opportunity to renovate the historic ballpark.
“This building, this facility, needs some capital improvements,” McGrath said. “And that’s what we’re looking forward to: really improving the fan experience, creating more handicap accessibility within the grandstand and putting the shine on this place that it deserves.”
The city is still evaluating what needs to be done and the cost. The Suns home opener is scheduled for May 27.